ZACC Goes After Urban Council Executives' Properties

proZimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission has reportedly set its sights on properties owned by different urban council executives and these executives risk losing their properties if they are found to have been bought through graft, The Standard reports.

This was revealed by the ZACC Spokesperson John Makamure who said they already have 9 active cases so far:

…Currently we are seized with nine active cases. Councils involved  include the City of Harare, City of Mutare, City of Gweru, Chiredzi Town Council and Victoria Falls Town Council, just but to mention a few.

In some instances, council employees steal council stands without following procedure and pocket the proceeds. Some council employees connive with bogus housing co-operatives and illegally sell stands to people

There is no actual value of properties involved as evaluations are to be finalised for some of the properties, but the estimated value of the properties is US$4 million. It involves senior management and officers of the local authorities

Buy Samsung, itel, Redmi smartphones in Zimbabwe

WhatsApp: +263715068543

Some were commercial stands and wetlands that have been illegally converted to residential stands. some are residential areas that are turned to commercial stands.

The properties are acquired through proceeds of crime as the council officials are given kick-backs after fraudulently disposing council land using estate agents and cooperatives

Over the last few months, the government has intensified its fight against corruption in urban councils. Demolitions of structures built on land otherwise meant for other projects or on wetlands are supposed to be done.

Land barons have been arrested or investigated in some cases. This has reportedly led to the poisoning of Harare Development Director Tafadzwa Muguti who reportedly ruffled a few Zanu PF land barons furthers as he was trying to rid the city of Land Barons.

More: The Standard